Can opener



July 8, 1941. Q A E|LER$ 2,248,166

' CAN OPENER Filed May 29, 1940 CHAH E5 A. E/L EFS.

Patented July 8, 1941 CAN OPENER Charles A. Eilers, Montague, Mich. Application May 29, 1940, Serial No. 337,948

1 Claim.

This invention relates to a pail or can opener.

An object of this invention is the construction of a simple and efficient device for opening or removing inserted lids or caps of pails or cans.

Heretofore, it has been diflicult to open cans, such, for instance, as paint cans, for such opening requires crude tools, as a screw driver, which has proven very unsatisfactory. Therefore, I have invented a simple tool which is admirably adapted to quickly remove an inserted cap or cover from the body of the can or container.

Another object of the invention is the construction of a novel tool or device which will engage an outer portion of the inserted cap, while at the same time the tool will also engage and enter under the lip or flange of the cap, whereby the cap can be pried or lifted from its normal seated position in a very prompt and expeditious manner.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention comprises certain novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts as will be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claim.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a view in elevation of a device constructed in accordance with the present invention, while Figure 2 is a side view of the same.

Figure 3 is a side view of the device. showing the same applied to an inserted cap or cover, on

a can.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of .the device, showing particularly the primary and auxiliary jaws in an open position.

Referring to the drawing, in which I have shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, I designates a pail or can body, or any other type of container, which is provided with a top ledge 2. The top ledge 2 terminates in the central opening 3. A lid or cap or cover 4 is inserted under pressure into the central opening 3 (Fig. 3), and this cap 4 is provided with a horizontal lip or flange 5.

My novel device comprises a primary jaw unit 6 and an auxiliary jaw unit 1. The primary jaw unit 6 includes a comparatively long handle 8 which is integral with primary jaw 9. The auX- iliary jaw unit 'I comprises a comparatively long handle I0 which is integral with auxiliary jaw II. The two jaw units 6 and 1 are pivotally connected by a fastening means I2, which may be an ordinary bolt or rivet, as the operator desires.

The primary jaw 9 is twisted at I3, whereby the flat straight outer portion I4 is positioned at right angles to the handle 8; the portion I4 has a straight dat inner face its entire length. In the inner straight flat face of the primary jaw 9 and near its outer end is a transverse semicylindrical groove I 5. The auxiliary jaw II is twisted at I3a whereby the straight flat portion I4a is positioned at right angles to the handle I0. The straight fiat portion Illa is normally parallel with at portion I4 and is curved at its outer end, terminating in a sharp transverse edge or tooth I6; said portion I4a is substantially as long as portion I4. The inwardly curved sharp edge I6 registers with the center of semi-cylindrical groove I5 (Fig. 2). Therefore, it will be noted that the primary jaw is only slightly longer than the outer end of the auxiliary jaw.

In the operation, the primary jaw 9 is placed so that the semi-cylindrical groove I5 ts snugly around the inner portion of horizontal flange 5, Fig. 3, and the sharp edge I6 is placed under the outer edge of horizontal flange 5. 'Ihen as the operator exerts pressure upon handles 8 and 9, to close the same together, the jaws are moved toward each other, and with a downward or swinging movement of the device, the flange 5 will be forced upwardly or outwardly from the top ledge 2 of the can, causing the inserted cap t0 be easily lifted from its seated position. The semi-cylindrical groove I5 fits snugly upon the cap or cover, against accidental displacement, and the efficient prying action is very positive, as has been found by extensive use of a working device constructed in accordance with this invention.

My improved device possesses many advantages over using screw drivers, table knives, etc., as the device is easily forced under the horizontal lip or flange 5 without danger of the operator being jabbed in the hand, etc., as when using crude tools which slip over the lip or flange; my device stays in position and is very positive and eiiicient in action.

It is also to be noted that by reason of the semi-cylindrical groove I5, the primary jaw 9 rides around the edge of the engaged portion of the lid 4, so to speak, as the tool or device is swung by the operaotr for lifting the cap or lid easily off the top ledge 2; the semi-cylindrical groove I5 always causes the device to have a firm grip upon the lid 4, during the swinging or removal action.

While I have described the preferred embodiments of my invention and illustrated same in the accompanying drawing, certain changes or alterations may appear to one skilled in the art to which this invention relates during the extensive manufacture of same, and I, therefore, reserve the right to make such changes or alterations as shall fairly fall within the scope of the appended claim.

What I claim is:

A tool for removing from a container a countersunk cover having an upstanding annular wall provided with an outstanding circumferentially l0 extending flange overhanging the head of the container about an opening through which the cover ts; said tool comprising companion members pivoted together and each having a handle and a jaw integral with its handle, the jaws being disposed one in front of the other and being movable towards and away from each other by move ment of the handles, the rear jaw having its lower end curved forwardly to provide a lip sharpened along its edge for engagement under the flange of the cover and having a curved under surface constituting a fulcrum surface, the front jaw having its lower end protruding below the rear jaw and curved rearwardly, a groove being formed across the rear face of the front jaw in position to receive the lip of the rear jaw when the jaws are closed and constituting a seat to receive the upper edge of the Wall of the cover at the inner margin of its outstanding flange whereby the flange may be gripped between the jaws and the tool rocked upon its fulcrum sur- 15 face to lift the cover from the container.

CHARLES A. EILERS. A 

